Thursday, March 28, 2024

Top 5 This Week

Related Posts

How To Get A Caregiver Job In Canada

There are lots of caregiver jobs in Canada for people who have the experience of working at home for their employers. Canada offers different job opportunities even as a foreigner, school leaver, or immigrant. 

A good advantage of a caregiver job is that it does not require a lot of experience to complete. Although there are training programs, courses, and learning experiences for caregivers, it is a pretty straightforward job. 

This article will discuss all you need to know about the caregiver jobs and how to get them in Canada. 

Who Is A Caregiver?

A caregiver is responsible for taking care of people with illnesses, mobility problems, and other chronic conditions. They help these people by performing daily activities and other domestic work. 

Caregivers also offer home childcare support services for children who have busy parents. 

Although the caregiver job may cover other responsibilities, the National Occupational Classification categorized it into two. Which are; 

  • Home Childcare Provider

Home childcare support is a class of caregiving that sees the caregiver help parents with childcare, education, and discipline. These caregivers usually get jobs from agencies that allow them to work with households and offer their services. 

  • Home Support Workers

This role primarily provides support for adults who are either ill or recovering from a chronic illness. Caregivers could be a source of physical therapy and domestic support for this type of person. Also called personal care attendants can assist with house management such as cleaning, preparing meals, etc. 

Finding Caregiver Jobs In Canada

There are numerous caregiving jobs in Canada you could find. You could sign up under a caregiving agency or search online for these jobs from job websites. 

Before now, you could get these jobs through programs like the Live-in caregiver program or the interim pathways for caregiver programs. However, these programs are no longer in progress. 

So, to find a caregiver job, you have to utilize the two programs that are verified under the National Occupational Classification. These pathways are the home childcare provider and the home support workers. You can also use the temporary worker program to get this job. 

These two programs can make these jobs easier to access, but it is better to find a way via the NOC classified jobs. That is because they make it easier to access permanent residency after a 2-year work experience. This route also eliminates the need for an LMIA from the employer. 

Alternatively, you can explore reputable websites or agency sites for various opportunities to find caregiver jobs. Indeed can be a good source to see the latest jobs for caregivers. 

What Are The Roles And Responsibilities Of A Top Caregiver?

The job of a caregiver can cover more responsibilities than you might expect. Since they are sometimes in charge of ill people, handling basic medication needs could be one task they would handle. They would also be tasked to handle domestic needs. Below, I will discuss ten significant roles of a senior caregiver you should know. 

Create A Care Plan

The caregiver has to prepare a clear plan of how they want to work with their employer. This plan should include how many hours they plan to provide care and other basic needs that their job description covers. 

Support With Basic Activities

Basic works such as feeding, bathing, and grooming are also the duties caregivers should execute with their clients. These activities are essential for people dealing with memory loss or movement problems. 

Provide Companionship Support

Loneliness and boredom can be an issue for older people. If a caregiving job tasks you to take care of an aging person or persons, you have to create a good atmosphere for them. Good companionship can take away their loneliness and boredom. 

Housekeeping

Housekeeping is one of the primary duties of a caregiver. Taking out the trash, cleaning, and snow shoveling; are some essential house chores that you should complete when in a caregiving job for aging or sick people. 

Prepare Meals

This job primarily involves caring for children, aging, or sick persons. So, that means they are mostly not strong enough to prepare meals. Caregivers are mostly given the task of cooking in their job description. 

Assist With Movements

People who need caregivers can mostly not move comfortably on their own. Like most times in the case of aging or paralyzed people, the caregiver has to help transfer them from the bed to other rooms. You have to help their movement always so that they do not fall. 

Transportation

People under caregiving always have appointments with doctors. As a caregiver, you do not want to carry your loved one on a bus or other public transport. Also, driving could be risky sometimes. So, you have to find the best option to transport them for doctor’s appointments. 

Access Medical Needs 

The health of your loved one is a massive responsibility as a caregiver. You have to monitor their pain level, communicate with the doctors to keep up with appointments, and manage emergency conditions. However, you should not give any medication without the consent of the doctor or health professional. 

Keep Track Of Medication

This role is vital, especially for patient recovery and those with chronic diseases. As a caregiver, you have to monitor their medication and ensure the prescriptions are accurate. You also have to access the dosage to ensure that they do not overmedicate. 

Adjust care plan

The first role on this list is creating a care plan for your loved one. It is a good idea, but there could also be room for changes. Recovering patients you are in charge of could need extra care, and this might force you to adjust your care plan. As a good caregiver, adjusting your plans and working hours should be necessary to better your employer’s conditions. 

Although these are some primary responsibilities of a caregiver, any job of this kind you take up would give you a detailed job description. And that would help you understand your role better. 

caregiver
Caregivers can be from any race or nationality. Source:stock footage from istockphoto.com

Is There A High Demand For Caregiver Jobs In Canada?

In December 2021, Canada welcomed about 6,000 caregivers into the country, as it was also trying to get care and support hands due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This program saw applicants receive access to valid job permits and incredible offers from employers. 

APPLY NOW: How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada

There are a few programs that help get caregiving jobs for people whether you stay in Canada or not. These programs also offer residency after a particular year with work experience. In Canada, the demand for caregiver jobs has seen some institutions offer courses and training programs. 

Canada is a developed country with parents not typically the ‘stay at home type. The family dynamics see that many children would need care from caregivers or ‘nannies.’ 

Also, caregivers are needed to take care of aging and recovering patients. Shelters could also do with a good number of these workers. So, whether it is for any of these reasons I just highlighted, there is always a need for caregivers in Canada.

How To become A Caregiver In Canada

Are you wondering what would give you a chance at a caregiving job in Canada? Whether you stay in Canada or you want to apply from outside the country, these tips would help put you on the right track. 

Get The Basic Qualification

This hint is helpful, especially for those applying from outside Canada. You have to provide the basic educational and passport requirements. Below is a highlight of what you need to kick off this process. 

  • A valid passport ( It has to have an expiring date of at least a year later)
  • At least one-year post-secondary educational credential 
  • Labor Market Impact Assessment for temporary work permit program (From employer)
  • Contract offer from an employer
  • Caregiver course certification. Although most non-citizens would not have this certificate, you can search the TESDA’s database to look for accredited schools. 
  • Pass the IELTS test. This is a test for English proficiency. So, you have to have a good understanding of the English language to get work in Canada. 

Signup For A Caregiving Course

Several programs offer caregiving courses for people. You will need this certification to get a caregiver job in Canada. These training programs mostly last for about six months. 

However, you must ensure that the TESDA or DepEd approves the training program. The Western Community College is an excellent example of a training program that you should enroll in. Still, you can also find others, such as Adamson University — which is TESDA accredited. 

Work Experience

Experience in a caregiving job would be a bonus for becoming a caregiver in Canada. It might give you an advantage in winning senior caregiver jobs that deal with people with disabilities and illnesses. 

Apply For Caregiver Jobs In Canada

I have highlighted how you can apply for these jobs. So, all you have to do is follow career websites or homecare programs available in Canada. That way, you can find employers and agencies that offer these jobs. 

Discuss The Details Of The Employment

After getting the job, the employer would arrange for an LMIA if you are an immigrant. However, you have to talk about particular detail of the job, which includes; 

  • Salary; This condition is an important one that you need to discuss with your employer. You have to research caregivers’ average pay per hour to ensure you do not get underpaid. 
  • Living Condition; The environment where you will stay is a crucial discussion you must have with your employer. You have to confirm if you will live with the patient or somewhere else. 
  • Job Description; The description has to cover all your roles and responsibilities to know what your services cover. You should do this even before any visa application process. 
  • Contracts; The employer would usually arrange a contract offer after agreeing with you. You should further access the contract papers and be clear on every detail. 

Apply For A Work Permit

Every non-citizen of the country must apply for a work permit before getting a caregiver job in Canada. There are a lot of requirements and documents that you need for a work permit. We will explain more details of the work permit process further in this article. However, you can check out more information here.

Plan your Departure

After getting your work permit approved, the next step is to prepare for your journey. At this point, you have to think about your flight ticket and insurance coverage. You can also look to get knowledge from seminars such as COA and PEOS.

Work As A Caregiver In Canada

Going to Canada with a job offer as a caregiver can be a good form of work experience for your portfolio. So, what would be a good work experience for you as a worker in Canada? The point will discuss the answer to this question. 

Apply For Permanent Residency

Working for 2years as a caregiver can make you eligible to apply for a permanent residency in Canada. However, you have to be under the Home child provider support or the Home support workers program. That is because they are both under the National Occupation Classification. 

So, what are the conditions for applying? They are; 

  • Being part of the Home child provider support programs makes you eligible if you have worked as a child care support for kids below 18 years of age. Foster parenting is excluded.
  • For the Home support workers program, you need at least a two-year experience in personal care services. Typical Housekeeping services are excluded. 

The process of application for a permanent residency after this work experience takes 12 months. You must apply for the residency as soon as possible. You are required to send proof of your work experience at least 36 months after your work permit. 

Work Permit/Visa Process For Caregiver Jobs In Canada

The first thing you have to know about working in Canada is that choosing the right type of visa is essential. You also have to get a work permit that would allow you to work. So, we will talk about all you need to know about this process. 

Firstly, we will discuss the eligibility status of the Canadian work permit. 

Eligibility Requirements Of A Canadian Work Permit

As a foreigner, you have to meet specific requirements before you are eligible; 

  • You must have proof of funds that you can support yourself (and your family) 
  • Applicants must also have a clean criminal record in Canada.
  • They must also be medically non-admissible to Canada
  • You must also possess the requested documents by Canada that proves your eligibility. 

Types Of Work Permit In Canada

You can get work permits in Canada on different grounds. The work permits can be; 

  • Permits requiring LMIA from an eligible employer
  •  Work permit that exempts LMIA but requires a job offer and contract. 
  • Openwork permit– does not require both an LMIA or job offer. 

APPLY NOW: 10 Best Nursing Scholarships For International Students In Canada

As a caregiver, you can get a work permit from either the first or second type of work permit. 

What Do I Need To Apply For A Canadian Work Permit?

You are going to need the following documents when applying for a work permit in Canada;

  • A valid travel passport
  • Two passport photographs
  • Applicants are to finish and submit the completed application form.
  • Proof of payments
  • A written offer of employment from an eligible employer (If applicable) 
  • Required Educational certificates and documents 
  • Medical reports may also apply. 
  • LMIA papers (If applicable)
  •  Proof of financial funds sustainable to stay in Canada and return home. 
  • Marriage certificate (If applicable) 

Can I Get Residency As A Caregiver In Canada?

The program to which you are applying determines how easy for you to get a permanent residency as a caregiver. Two programs give you a chance to get permanent residency, and I will discuss them below.

Home Childcare Provider and Home personal support program

As a caregiver under these programs, you are eligible for a permanent residency if you meet the requirements. Here are the requirements you will need in this case; 

  • Have a job offer from an occupation under the Home childcare provider/Home personal support program. 
  • Get working experience that would make you eligible for a permanent residence (Mostly 2years)

Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP)

Although this program is currently closed, it is another pathway to getting a permanent residency as a caregiver. Here are some points that merit a permanent work permit under this program;

  • At least 2years of working experience under the Live-In caregiver program
  • You also have to be working with a Live-In caregiver work permit. 
  • Your LCP work permit must also have been approved based on the LMIA received by employment and social development in Canada (on or before November 30, 2014, as the program is currently closed).

However, if you are not part of any of these programs and you are willing to get a permanent residency, there is still a way for you to get it. 

You can either apply to extend your current temporary work permit. Alternatively, you can get a new work permit. But in this case, your employer has to submit a positive LMIA before you can apply.

What Is The Difference Between A Work Permit And A Visa?

Although these terms can be confused sometimes, they mean different things. To avoid any confusion, you should know the difference. A work permit is a document that allows international workers to work in Canada either on a temporary or permanent basis. 

On the other hand, a visa allows foreigners to enter Canada or pass through the country in transit. So, that means you may have a work permit, but only a visa can allow access to Canada. 

Do I Need An IELTS To Get A Work Permit For Any Caregiver Jobs In Canada?

An IELTS is a test that English-speaking countries offer to foreigners from non-native English-speaking countries. Getting a work permit does not necessarily require taking an IELTS test in Canada. Taking the test would depend on the requirement of the job you are offered. 

So, if your job requires that the foreigner understands English fluently, there might be some form of assessment. 

How Long Is A Canadian Work Permit Valid? 

The duration of a work permit is not definite. However, a work permit cannot be issued for longer than you have applied for; rather, the period could be longer than the applicant’s passport. A Canadian work permit can also have a validity shorter than the duration of the LMIA from your employer. 

Regardless of the above exceptions, a typical Canadian work permit can be valid for around 1-2 years. 

How Long Does It Take To Process A Canada Work Permit?

Processing a Canada work permit can take several weeks to complete. In some cases, it can take months before you get a result of your work permit application. The type of work permit you are applying for can also determine how much time the process will take. 

How Can I Know The Status Of My Work Permit Application?

The work permit application is made by paper or online submission. Whichever way, you can quickly know the status of your application. If you made an online application, you can just check your account and view your application status. 

On the other hand, paper-based application status can be seen through the online IRCC account.

How Much Does A Canadian Work Permit Cost?

To apply for a Canadian work permit, you should be ready to spend between CAD 155 to CAD 255. However, additional charges may apply to artists, tourists, and business people. 

So, that’s all you need to know about the work permit in Canada. As a caregiver, you have met the requirements I have just discussed in this section. You can get more information on this at the Canada Immigration website. 

How Much Do Caregivers Earn In Canada?

The average salary of a full-time caregiver in Canada is $34 125 every year. This amount equals $17. 50 per hour. Although entry-level caregivers can earn at least $27,300 (annually) on average, the most experienced caregivers can take home around $44 000 per year.

However, these salaries could differ depending on the region. Some of the highest paying provinces in Canada are British Columbia ($42 179), Alberta ($34 125), and Ontario ($29 250). 

What Is The Age Limit Of Caregiver Jobs In Canada?

There are no age limits to getting a caregiver job in Canada. However, the employer can only give the age requirements in the job description. 

What Are The Benefits Of Caregiver Jobs 

Caregiver Jobs in Canada do not just come with a salary. Other benefits come with working as a caregiver in this country. These benefits include; 

Compassionate Care Benefits

You can have up to six months off as a caregiver if you have a family member who is sick and dying. These jobs can ensure that you have the chance to support your family for up to six months while still keeping your job. 

Employment Insurance Family Caregiver benefits for Adults/Children

Caregivers who have a family member who is ill can get special employment insurance. They can be given some time off to provide care and support for their loved ones. If the family member is a child, the caregiver can get up to 35 weeks. Otherwise (adults), caregivers get 15 weeks of unique employment insurance benefits. 

APPLY NOW: Top 12 Farm Jobs In Canada You Can Do Now

Employer Benefits For Caregivers

Caregivers might also be entitled to some benefits from their employer’s health plans. That is because caregiving services are also part of their medical expenses. This coverage depends on the relationship you have with your employer. So, this would be based on discussions with your employer. 

Employer Assistance For Caregivers

Caregivers in Canada can also get personal assistance from their employers. The Employer Assistance Program (EAP) allows the caregiver to get some support. So, if a caregiver has a personal issue that affects their job, the employer could assist them. 

Employer Benefits And Pensions

The person in your care might be eligible for pensions and benefits from their previous employer. That is an option caregiver can also get some benefits. 

There are many other benefits you can get from a caregiver job in Canada. Eligible permanent residents can also get Registered Disability Savings Plans and Child disability benefits, among the above advantages. 

So, that’s all you need to know about Caregiver jobs in Canada. Do you have any more questions, check out the Frequently Asked Questions And Answers Section below. 

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

Can I work as a Caregiver in Canada without experience? 

You can apply for a caregiver job from outside Canada. However, the job description would also carry the requirements of the applicants. But there are a lot of caregiver training programs in Canada that you can sign up for. Nevertheless, if you have experience as a caregiver, it would be advantageous to provide documents that show the proof. 

Is IELTS required for a caregiver job in Canada?

Although the IELTS tests might depend on the qualification and type of the caregiver job, applicants must be able to speak the English Language. On the other hand, the program you are applying through might have a compulsory requirement for an IELTS test or its equivalents. 

What is an IELTS?

IELTS is short for International English Language Testing System. It is an exam used to assess the English proficiency of foreigners looking to work or study in Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other native English-speaking countries. 

What is the IELTS score for a caregiver?

According to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), there are different tests for each individual’s ability. However, you need a score of 5 in 4 abilities to get a decent score on your test. 

You can check out the approved language test scores here.

Can I get a caregiver job in Canada without a work permit?

As a foreigner, you must have your work permit application processed and approved before you can work as a caregiver in Canada. In some cases, you would also require an LMIA from your employer before the work permit is authorized. 

What is an LMIA?

LMIA means Labor Market Impact Assessment. It is a document that an eligible employer in Canada uses to hire a foreigner to work for them. The employer must prove that a Canadian cannot take the job. 

If an employer in Canada has a positive LMIA, they can hire an immigrant to work for them. But the worker has to apply for a visa, work permits, and provide the requirements to take the job offer. 

What are the reasons a work permit application can be rejected?

There are different reasons that your application may not get approval. Some of the major reasons are 

  • The visa officer does not think you would return home after the duration of your visa
  • You did not meet the requirement of the work permit. 
  • Also, rejection can come if the officer does not think you can deliver on your intended job. 

Can I add my family or spouse to the work permit application?

When applying for a closed work permit, you can include your spouse as they may be eligible for an open work permit. So they can apply for their work permit online.

Also, when moving along with your family, your children can be granted educational opportunities without needing a study permit.

Do Canadian work permits have age limits?

Applicants for the Canada work permit must be 18 years and above. However, there may be age limitations under the IEC programs.

What Is my work permit number?

The work permit number is located on the right side of your documents, and it starts with the letter ‘U.’

Wrapping Up

Caregiver jobs in Canada are not difficult to come by; there are many ways to find these job openings. But it is also essential to note that working in Canada would sometimes take a long process. 

Getting the job offer would be the first thing. The employer has to get an LMIA (If applicable) for you to apply for a work permit. And then, the work permit can also take a while to get approval. All these processes have to be followed along with meeting the requirements. 

But I believe this article has made it easier for you to understand the procedure of getting caregiver jobs in Canada.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Popular Articles